Flexor tenosynovitis in the hand caused by Mycobacterium malmoense: a case report

This report analyzes a rare case of flexor tenosynovitis caused by Mycobacterium malmoense. A synovectomy was carried out on the index finger (no other finger was afflicted) of a 66-year-old farmer, followed by antibiotic therapy with ethambutol, rifampin, and clarithromycin. Because of strong side effects, the treatment with ethambutol and rifampicin had to be discontinued after 4 months. There was no recurrence after 14 months, and the patient's finger had a full range of motion.